Sleep Number Vs Tempur Pedic – The Brand Face-Off

lauren hall 1
written by sleep expert Lauren Hall

Sleep Number Vs Tempur Pedic– The Ultimate Brand Face-Off

Sleep Number and Tempur Pedic are two monster brands in the mattress industry and there’s no wonder why, they have extensive product lines and offer a wide range of mattress characteristics. But which one is better?

Both Sleep Number and Tempur Pedic offer excellent choices to choose from, with Sleep Number the air-chamber support can be adjusted to provide individual support for that specific sleeper while Tempur Pedic utilizes their TEMPUR Memory foam to offer contouring feel to individuals.

But wait let me tell you something:

Despite being super successful and popular brands the differences in the designs and construction, the things these mattresses have in common are few and far between. They offer excellent products but they serve very different purposes.

To make things easier for you I’m here to explain how these brands build their mattresses, how they feel, comfort, the cost, durability, warranty (basically all the pros and cons), and how to navigate your way to find the best mattress for you.

Both offer a great range of products but who comes out on top after my 7-stage test? Let’s find out!

 

Mattress Construction and Materials Comparison

 

First thing’s first, we need to do a construction comparison test! The construction of the mattress massively contributes to the feel, performance, and durability of the mattress as a whole.

In this first face-off, we will look at the design, the layers, and the material used in those layers between Tempur Pedic and Sleep Number. The construction of a mattress can be broken up into two main sections:

Comfort: This is the top part and offers an immediate effect on feel; mattresses are often made with polyfoam, memory foam, latex, wool, cotton, and/or polyester

Support Core: This is the bottom part of the mattress and supports the whole mattress; the support core also helps prevent excessive sagging. You will notice it is made from either polyfoam, innerspring coils, latex, or air chambers.

In both Tempur Pedic and Sleep Number the support core and the comfort system can be made up of one or more materials and can either be made from the same or different materials. The quality of the material is crucial for every layer, but finding the full specifications can be difficult.

So, who will come out on top?

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses

First up is Tempur-Pedic; let’s break down the different mattresses they offer and the different components of each:

TEMPUR Foam:

Tempur Pedic is best known for their TEMPUR Foam– TEMPUR is a type of visco-elastic which is also better known as memory foam. Memory foam is best known for its contouring features; it gently contours to your body’s shapes and curves to relieve pressure points, promote spinal alignment, relieve aches and pains, and motion isolation.

The original TEMPUR foam was developed and used for astronauts in NASA. Tempur-Pedic has since created variations of their original memory foam, such as TEMPUR-ES (Extra soft), TEMPUR-CM+ which is more ventilated and porous for better air circulation. And TEMPUR-APR (Advanced Pressure Relief), which offers more body contouring.

Tempur-Pedic Adapt Mattresses:

Next up is Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Adapt range. Adapt and Adapt Hybrid models have a TEMPUR-ES layer and a layer of TEMPUR foam in their comfort system. In the Adapt design, the support core is made with polyfoam, whereas in the Adapt Hybrid, it has pocketed innerspring coils, which gives the mattress a bouncier feel.

Both Tempur-Pedic Adapt and Adapt Hybrid has a layer of TEMPUR-ES and one layer of the original TEMPUR foam in their comfort system; the main difference between the two is the different materials used in the support core, and the Adapt Hyrbid has a bouncier feel.

Tempur Pedic also offers a LuxeAdapt and ProAdapt range. The LuxeAdapt uses TEMPUR-ES or original TEMPUR foam and a TEMPUR-APR and polyfoam support core. In the ProAdapt, the two layers of TEMPUR foam can either be ES, APR, or original, depending on firmness preference.

The Tempur Pedic ProAdapt Hybrid has support made out of TEMPUR-ES and TEMPUR-APR foams as well as a pocketed innerspring.

Tempur-Pedic Breeze Mattresses: 

All of Tempur-Pedic ‘Breeze’ models are designed to reduce heat build-up using their Phase Change Materials. They work by drawing and dissipating heat to maintain an optimal, stable temperature to sleep in.

It also works with a breathable cover to promote airflow, moisture, sweat-wicking, and cooling comfort. PRObreeze and PRObreeze Hyrbird utilize a top layer of CM+ foam to promote sufficient airflow and heat dissipation while that layer is supported with original foam for comfort.

However, in the support core, PRObreeze is supported with polyfoam, whereas the hybrid is made with pocketed coils.

Verdict?

As most of you may well know, Tempur-Pedic offerings are all-foam mattresses, but there are three different hybrid options. To put things simply, Hybrids have the same comfort system but often have an innerspring support core to add a bouncy feel.

It also helps when it comes to heat build; hybrid mattresses sleep much cooler than memory foam. However, innerspring may transfer more motion and become squeaky over the years– they also don’t last as long.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses specifications have been a gold standard in the industry; the reviews strongly suggest durability and last you a long time.

Sleep Number Beds

Sleep Number beds come in a range of different materials, construction, firmness levels, and much more, as well as Tempur-Pedic. Let’s break them down.

The Sleep Number Support Core

First thing’s first and what stands out from the crowd within Sleep Number beds are their air chamber support core; they are the defining features of each of these mattresses. Their attached pump can add or remove air for complete adjustability for individual feel and support.

Plus, this pump can be controlled by either your smartphone or on the remote for complete convenience, it is recorded in numbers, and the higher numbers correspond to a firmer feel. Sleepers have the power to make adjustments whenever they feel like it in real-time.

But that’s not all: Sleep Number offers a full-size, queen-size, king-size mattresses all have separate air chambers on either side of the bed, which makes it perfect for couples. If your partner prefers a firmer feel and prefers a softer one, you can have one side different from the other.

No more arguing over mattresses again!

SleepIQ Technology:

Sleep Number Sleep IQ technology is another prominent feature found in Sleep Number beds. Each bed comes with a SleepIQ that gathers data about the nature and quality of your sleep, providing a daily score and areas for improvement.

This technology also has auto-adjustment features, which can be enabled, allowing your bed to detect the support you need and makes changes throughout the night to modify your Sleep Number bed according to the support you need.

Sleep Number Comfort Systems:

All Sleep Number mattress has a foam comfort system above the air chambers. All of the mattress series and models either have polyfoam or gel-infused polyfoam within their mattress (except the M7 which is made with memory foam).

Here is the breakdown of each series:

SeriesModelThickness
Sleep Number Classicc22 inches
Sleep Number Classicc43 inches
Sleep Number Performancep54 inches
Sleep Number PerformancepSE4 inches
Sleep Number Performancep65 inches
Sleep Number Innovationi86 inches
Sleep Number InnovationiLE6 inches
Sleep Number Innovationi107 inches
Sleep Number Memory FoamM75 inches

Sleep Number Classic, Performance, and Innovation Series:

Let’s break down each series, shall we?

Classic Series: This Sleep Number Mattress series features Sleep Number beds with dual air chambers, auto-adjustment capabilities, and sleep IQ technology.

Performance Series: This Sleep Number Mattress series has features with thicker comfort systems, they range between 4 and 5 inches thick. The thicker design adds more contouring and motion isolation to the mattress, it also reduces the stress placed on the support core.

Innovation Series: The innovation series however has all of the features of the performance line but has an even thicker pressure-relieving foam, ranging from 6-7inches thick. These Sleep Series Mattresses are made with PCM-type material that offers more sufficient temperature regulation. Just like the performance series the innovation models also have a thicker design to help with body contouring, motion isolation, and relieving stress on the mattress core.

Taller models do tend to be more expensive as the material is thicker and it offers more benefits than a thinner one would.

Verdict 

In terms of construction, I think you can argue both have their benefits and very much differ in the specifications. I feel that for this round it is almost impossible to judge who is the winner because it is all down to opinion.

I do love the SleepIQ technology in Sleep Number Beds because it allows for complete adjustability of firmness and overall feel of the mattress, it also allows one side to be different from the other making it a definite winner for couples. Plus it gets extra points for the auto-adjustment features

For hot sleepers, I feel that the construction of  Sleep Number Beds is much more ventilated and promotes a cooling environment to sleep on. They also offer other options to heat retention memory foam which is another cool feature.

In term of the overall construction I feel that Sleep Number Mattresses are an absolute winner, especially for couples that prefer different firmness levels and hot sleepers. But, again it is all down to personal feel and preference.

 

Comfort – Tempur Pedic vs Sleep Number Mattress:

While both mattress brands claim to offer you a great nights’ sleep, those who purchased Tempur-Pedic mattresses seem to have a little more satisfaction with regards to comfort.

This may be because the mattresses are thought to be very soft and will support your weight, whereas Sleep Number Mattresses don’t seem to be as supportive, and therefore a little less comfortable.

Support can be vital if you have back problems and need to lie on a mattress that you won’t end up sinking into. If your back does hurt a lot of the time, it will be more sensible to opt for a more supportive mattress.

Comfort Winner: Tempur Pedic

Temperature Regulation: Tempur Pedic vs Sleep Number Mattresses: 

Temperature regulation is a vital mattress characteristic for hot sleepers, heat retention can create a really uncomfortable environment to sleep in and some materials are prone to sleeping hot, such as memory foam. 

Memory foam with deep contouring decreases airflow throughout the mattress and body and will most commonly hold onto heat. Both manufacturers have added features to improve ventilation and breathability but Sleep Number Beds are definitely cooler. 

Temperature regulation winner: Sleep Number: 

Pain relief – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number Mattress:

When it comes to choosing a ‘Winner’ for the pain relief category, it seems that there’s very little in it. Tempur-Pedic mattresses do come out on top, but only by a little.

Those who have previously slept on spring mattresses report a big difference in pain relief. Both mattresses can offer better pain relief, but it’s the Tempur-Pedic ones that seem to have better customer satisfaction in this area.

Pain Relief Winner: Tempur-Pedic

Price – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number Mattress:

When we think about the subject of price, Sleep Number mattresses seem to cost less than Tempur-Pedic mattresses do. If you were to purchase the same size mattress from each manufacturer, the Sleep Number would be up to $600 cheaper on some occasions.

This is quite a lot of money, and it could mean the difference between someone buying one brand or another.

However, you may want to weigh up your options and decide if you would like to spend more money on a mattress that can offer you more comfort and pain relief.

If you only have a limited amount of money, try to get the best mattress possible. Try out different mattresses before you spend your money on them. Visit stores selling Tempur Pedic and Sleep Number, lay on the mattresses and then search online for one (They’re usually cheaper online).

Price Winner: Sleep Number

Durability – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number Mattress:

The issue of durability with regards to both of these brands is a pretty straight-forward one. Both Tempur Pedic and Sleep Number mattresses seem to last just as long as each other, and both seem to encounter very few issues that are covered by the warranty.

This may not help you choose between one brand or the other, but it does mean that whatever mattress you choose, is likely to last.

Durability Winner: Tempur-Pedic

Sex: Tempur Pedic vs Sleep Number: 

Now mattresses aren’t just for sleeping, they have other purposes too such as sex. Having a mattress that doesn’t restain an active sex life is a common priority, especially in couples. 

A mattress best facilitates sex if it is responsive and bouncy when moving on the mattress, no one wants to feel like they’re sinking or getting stuck in the mattress which can most commonly occur in memory foam or low-responsive polyfoam. 

Out of the two, I would say that Sleep Number beds are the best for sex as they combine both polyfoam and innerspring to keep their mattresses bouncy and comfortable. 

Sex winner: Sleep Number Beds. 

Warranty – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number Mattress

Here is the issue that divides the mattress brands, and sets them apart from each other. Warranties are there to protect you against a range of faults that may be caused during the manufacturing process, and those which develop afterward.

Sleep Number will happily let you send your mattress back if you’re not happy with it. This may seem like a pretty good deal until you realize that you have to pay all of the shipping costs.

Tempur-Pedic warranties don’t include this feature. Which only lasts for the first one hundred days, I may add], but most of their mattresses do come with a 10-year warranty.

Not a lot of people are aware that they will repair your mattress if they can, or replace it if a repair just won’t do. This is an extra piece of mind that can help to bring relief if you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on your mattress.

Warranty Winner: Tempur-Pedic

Health benefits – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number Mattress:

When it comes to the health benefits of using a mattress made by either brand, again they are almost tied. Both will offer a lot of pain relief, and both will offer quite a bit of comfort too, but it seems that Sleep Number will offer slightly more in the way of support, but only by a fraction.

The more supportive your mattress is, the better you’re likely to sleep, and you’re likely to wake up in less pain too. The health benefits that you get from both mattresses include a better night’s sleep, and we all know how good that is for us.

Health Benefits Winner: Tempur-Pedic

How Long Will a Mattress Last? – Tempur Pedic Vs Sleep Number:

Knowing how long a mattress is likely to last, can have a huge impact when deciding what you would like to buy. Tempur-Pedic mattresses typically last 8-10 years, whereas Sleep Number mattresses seem to last just that little bit longer.

It’s this side of the argument that often changes peoples’ minds, and may well have an impact on yours too. If however, you would still like to have a Tempur-Pedic mattress, then you may be happy in the knowledge that it may last 8-10 years.

A lot of people would like to make their mattresses last as long as possible. If you want to keep your mattress in top condition, you will need to keep it clean, turn it as often as the manufacturer advises, and refrain from jumping up and down on it (however much fun that may be!).

If you would like to clean your mattresses, then you should only use manufacturer-approved cleaners.

Unfortunately, you will be unable to clean memory foam mattresses, but you can help them to stay clean by avoiding eating and drinking in bed and ensuring you use a mattress protector at all times.

Longevity Winner: Sleep Number

 

 

Overall Ratings: Tempur Pedic and Sleep Number

I know you may be looking at that not having a clue as to what means what, so let me break it down for you in a straightforward table!

Tempur Pedic Mattresses

Tempur PedicTempur Pedic TEMPUR-AdaptTempur Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt HybridTempur Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt TEMPUR-ProAdapt HybridTempur Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeAdaptTempur Pedic TEMPUR-LUXEbreezeTempur Pedic TEMPUR-PRObreeze
FirmnessMediumMediumSoft, Medium and FirmMediumSoft and firmSoft and firmMedium
Durability4/54/54/53/54/54/54/5
Motion Isolation5/54/54/54/54/54/54/5
Sex2/53/52/53/52/52/52/5
Sleeps Cool2/53/52/52/53/53/53/5
Pressure Relief4/54/54/54/54/54/54/5
Off-Gassing2/53/52/53/52/52/52/5
Ease of Movement2/53/52/53/52/52/52/5
Edge Support2/53/51/53/52/52/52/5
Warranty 10 years10 years10 years10 years10 years10 years10 years

Sleep Number Mattresses: 

Sleep Number Beds:c2c4p5pSEp6i8i10
FirmnessAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firmAdjustable- soft to firm
Durability3/53/53/53/53/53/53/5
Motion Isolation3/53/53/53/53/53/53/5
Sex2/52/52/52/52/52/52/5
Sleeps Cool3/53/53/53/53/53/53/5
Pressure Relief3/53/53/53/53/53/53/5
Off-Gassing4/54/53/53/53/53/53/5
Ease of Movement3/53/53/53/53/53/53/5
Edge Support3/52/52/52/52/52/52/5
Warranty 15 years15 years15 years15 years15 years15 years15 years

Conclusion 

There are a few obvious differences between the Sleep Number brand of mattresses and the Tempur-Pedic mattresses. When it comes to the issue of comfort, durability, warranty, pain relief, and health benefits, a Tempur-Pedic mattress seems to be the clear winner.

If we look at the price and longevity of the mattresses, the Sleep Number brand is the winner there. Your choice will depend on what factors you consider to be more important.

If you favor a cheaper mattress over a good nights’ sleep, then Sleep Number could be the choice for you.

If however, you would like more health benefits, a better night’s sleep, and a good warranty, it could be worth your while choosing the Tempur-Pedic brand.

Related Post: Best Memory Foam Mattress [Review]